An Inexpressible Joy

I cannot believe project has been over for nearly two weeks! Memories of strolling along the Lungomare (the Salerno boardwalk) with gelato in hand, listening to my teammates' laughter, and enjoying the breathtaking bus ride through the Southern Italian mountain range to campus frequent my mind.

Although I miss Italy very much, this week and a half has been a sweet time of meditating on what I experienced the LORD do on project. Not only meditating, but truly allowing the power of the gospel to continue to resonate in my soul, drawing me to a deeper place of worship and adoration before Him. This summer was simply amazing. Besides the fun memories made with my teammates and new Italian friends, I feel like I can speak for our team when I say each of us has come to a deeper place of understanding and experiencing the gospel and our magnificent God. We saw the power of the gospel change unbelieving hearts to hearts that desired a personal relationship with God right before our very eyes! We saw Italians reaching out to other Italians... sharing with them the love of Christ that was demonstrated on the cross for our sin. We saw the Holy Spirit causing Italian students to wrestle with the truth in the message of Jesus Christ. We saw people find salvation. All this to say, we saw the LORD do incredible things in that place and we trust that His Spirit is still at work in mighty ways.

Haswell Beni, a man on staff with Crusade in Italy said at one of our briefing meetings that "Italy will strip you of everything but Jesus Christ." Personally, this statement holds a significant amount of truth in my individual experience on project. There were times when I had never felt more emotionally, spiritually, and even physically drained. However, it was in those times of weakness when I experienced such strength and comfort from the power of the gospel. I learned that it's in the gospel that we come to experience the life, blessings, power and glory of God. The fact that in Christ's resurrection, He has overcome this world and that His Spirit dwells within in also empowers me to overcome the troubles of this life. The call to draw near to Christ never has been so real than over the course of my time in Italy. This passage from 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 was especially encouraging for me: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body." It was in those times of weakness that I was sustained by our gracious God and His gospel.

Really, this entire summer was a testament to the LORD's grace and faithfulness. There was no reason for God to use us in the manner He did, apart from the fact that He is gracious. Even as I reflect now, I bask in the glory of the LORD's grace and love, which is truly astounding and humbling.

Thank you so much for your continued support and prayer. It truly sustained and encouraged us. Please continue to pray for the ministry in Italy; pray for the students you have heard about and that the LORD would continue to raise up and equip laborers to serve in that beautiful country.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:8-9

By His Grace,
Ashley Cedeno

3 people came to Christ! Che bella :)

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

With only two more days left on campus , the Lord has really put it in our hearts to persevere strong until the end of this incredible journey in Salerno! Some days have gone pretty great, while there have been other days that have gone not so great for one reason or another. Often times on these days it can be very tempting to be disappointed and to think that our labor is in vain, but then we are constantly reminded by the Bible and others that no work done for the Lord - little or big- is ever in vain. 

Today, Melissa, Chris, and I were blessed with seeing 3 people make a prayer to receive Christ in their hearts and begin a personal relationship with Him. To give you a brief summary, the conversation began when we heard 3 students practicing their English for an English exam. We introduced ourselves and asked them if we could do Soularium (the picture survey) with them. They said that unfortunately they were busy studying for an exam, but could perhaps meet another day with us, so we settled with getting their contact information. However, the Lord in His awesomeness provided an opportunity for us to connect in a simple conversation with them and we ended up talking to them for about 20 minutes anyway. When we realized that we might have more time to talk to them than what we thought and that they were interested in the conversation, we asked them if we could ask them 4 quick question for Agape Italia. The first question was what was one thing they really wanted to do before they died; they struggled with their response to this question and then realized the time and were debating if they had time to answer the rest of the questions. Praise the Lord that they decided they wanted to answer the rest of the questions, which lead into a spiritual conversation and the presentation of the gospel. Then they asked to hear our stories of how and when we received Christ and we were able to share our testimonies. Their names were Ana, Carmen, and Simon; and by the end of the conversation we asked them if they desired to have that personal relationship with Christ. They said they did with the biggest smiles on their faces and made a prayer with us! Then we joined hands and prayed for them as well. 

When we left the conversation, we were all in awe of the power of God and were so thankful and humbled that the Lord decided to use us for His glory this day, and rejoiced over the fact that we now had a new brother and sisters in Christ :). 

And so it is with hopeful hearts and excited spirits that we look forward to these final two days to share the gospel with more Italians, knowing that our labor for the Lord is never in vain! Praise the Lord!

God's blessings,

Iliana 

Nostro fratello nuovo!

We have a new brother in Christ!!! My heart was filled with an inexplainable joy when I heard the news. I wrote a post about this time last week asking for prayer about an Italian student named Vincenzo! Our prayers have been answered and what a blessing it is. The picture to the right is Vincenzo with Richie and me at our BBQ.

For those of you who having been following the story, bare with me while I recap it. My every first full conversation at the University of Salerno was with Vincenzo. Much to my surprise the gospel was quickly introduced in our conversation. Vincenzo expressed to my partner(Noah) and me that his best friend was shot and killed. He was having a hard time getting over that painful tragedy, I cannot even imagine the pain he must have felt. This incident was holding Vincenzo back from believing that God was good. I told him he had a choice to make to either be mad at God for what happened or embrace God and the comfort He provides. He was eager to hear more about the true God. Noah and I were able to go through the entire gospel with him, but he was not ready to make that decision.

Again I encountered Vincenzo on campus with my team members Will and Holly. Vincenzo heard the gospel a second time and had more questions. He clearly seemed intrigued by our entire message both times. Later that week Vincenzo came to our American BBQ that we have on Thursdays and he met Richie with me. For a third time and then a fourth Vincenzo heard the gospel from Richie and me. He explained he wanted it so bad, but still he wasn't ready. We gave him an Italian bible and a booklet called, "Would you like to know God personally?" That night Richie and I prayed that the LORD would not let Vincenzo sleep at night without him wrestling through his thoughts about God. For that is exactly what the LORD did.

This Thursday Vincenzo arrived at the BBQ and wanted to take Richie on a ride on his scooter. Scooters and motorcycles are very popular in Italy. Richie said yes of course, but wanted to stop somewhere and talk. They stopped to get gelato at our favorite place, Gerry's. There Vincenzo actually brought up God himself without Richie even asking. He told Richie that he kept reading the booklet and decided to pray the prayer in back and invited Christ into his life. PRAISE GOD!!! He continued to tell Richie that all of us tell so many students about God, but so few believe. Vincenzo was deeply sadden by this and Richie said yes only six students have invited Christ into their lives. Vincenzo shook his head and said no that that must change. He has only been a believer a short amount of time, but already has a desire to see the hearts of his fellow students change. Vincenzo is exactly the kind of student Agape Italia needs to help start a foundation in Salerno.

We appreciate the prayers of all our friends and families back home. I hope this story has deeply made you feel a part of what the LORD is doing in Salerno. I am still in shock that our incredible Father in heaven allowed me to be a part of this student's story. Please continue to pray for his protection and that our STINT team next year would really help Vincenzo to grow in his faith!!!

Serving Christ with You,
Jessica



Nostro fratello nuovo! (Part Due)

I want to first thank everyone back at home for their support and their prayers. I have received messages about specific prayers and numbers and I just wanted to let you know that they are being answered. Jessica shared with you the story of Vincenzo and I would like to add just a little bit to it.

This week has included several times where I found my heart crying out to God for the hearts of 3 friends of mine, one of them being Vincenzo. When Vincenzo asked me to go on his scooter, 2 things came to mind. One being I had an idea he wanted to continue to talk about our conversation last week. The next was I hope we don't crash because Italians love using their scooters to fit in between small spaces, such as between two moving cars. But I am alive and well. As we stopped on the coast to talk, he initiated conversation by telling me he prayed the prayer on the back of the spiritual law booklet. I asked if he had any questions and he said no, that the booklet spells everything out and that he now understands that when God looks at him, He sees Jesus Christ in his heart. I showed him 1 Corinthians 5:17 (the old has gone the new has come) and explained to him that he is now born again and new in Christ. He responded with a great smile.

He then told me that he spoke with a Jew sometime later after he accepted Christ and just could not believe how other people could deny the great news he has received. I explained to him that most people do not believe and only a few will accept God's grace as he did (Matthew 7:13-14).

I cannot explain with words to describe God's presence last week as I saw Vincenzo's heart melt right in front of me. It is incredible to see his heart go out to people who have not received Christ. I ask that you will continue to pray for Vincenzo as he goes through these first crucial moments as a new believer. Praise God for his works he is doing here!!

With love,
RIchie

New Friends!

Ciao!! I have met two new friends on campus named Manuela and Laura. I had met both of them last week through passing out flyer's on campus, but I saw them again this week. We ended up having cafe and lunch with them. The gospel really didn't get to be shared which was upsetting, but there wasn't ever an opportunity to share. My group and I made plans to meet up with them again for today.

So today we got to meet with them. We prayed that we would have the opportunity to share the gospel with them and that their hearts would be opened to it. Right after this prayer, Lacy-Mai (on the STINT team.. one year commitment in Salerno) walked up and actually already knew the girls. She already had questions to ask them, which lead right into a gospel conversation! It was amazing to see our prayer answered right there!! The Gospel was clearly shared that we are sinful people and are separated from God because of that. Our punishment for our sin is eternal separation from God, but Jesus came to earth to pay the penalty for our sins. Laura is "searching" but has a hard time believing that there is only one way to God. Manuela was very receptive and agreed with everything! However, she hasn't fully grasped the concept of Gods grace and still thinks her salvation is based on living a good life and being a good person.

Please pray for these two girls that their hearts will be softened towards the gospel. Also pray that I will get more opportunities to discuss their faith with them. Thank you again for your continued prayer and support!

Nicole

From the outside looking in...

Ciao tutti!  My name is Jutty (as mentioned below in Andrews post), and I have been mandated by the boss (Andrew) to make a post on this here blog.  Well, it was more of a suggestion and I am more than happy to oblige.

I must say, I'm encouraged to see so many posts.  My first, and only complaint when I got here was that they weren't writing enough in the blog, and that there are a heap of people back home left wanting more!  Why?  Because there are hundreds of people that have a heart for Salerno Italy and want to know EVERYTHING that God is doing through the summer project.

Its an interesting place here.  Something about it is addicting.  Sure, the food is great.  Sure, the view of the Amalfi Coast is one of the best in the world.  Sure, the people are kind here and very welcoming.  But, more than that, there is something spiritual about it.  The presence of God is unique here.  Ask anybody that has been here and they will agree.  The food, location, and people are all perks.  Gods presence is the meat and potatoes of this spot.

Its neat to see so many new faces in a place that is dear to my heart.  I can already see the addiction setting in.  I can see the joy in their faces when they meet new people and begin seeing God at work in their hearts.  Just read the passion in their posts, and you'll see.  I also see them enjoying the culture, its idiosyncrasies and all.  So, I'm encouraged.  And happy to be here with them.  I'm here to find an apartment for my family and I.  But, I've gotten much more.  And for that, I'm thankful.  Thanks Summer Project 2008 for affirming my passion for this country, and confirming God's call on our lives to return here long term and see Jesus continue his work of seeking and saving that which is lost!

Grazia e Pace,

Jutty

The Paint Shop Has What We Need

So we are mid-project. We have just a little over a week left in Salerno so for a mid-project celebration we decided to do an "in-house BBQ." Monday was a national holiday called Festa Della Repubblica (Republic Day) so we had to mix up the schedule, freeing us up to do this BBQ. We have a visitor from America--Jutty Valiquette--who will be moving here to serve for the next three to five years and he volunteered to grill for us, as long as we got some good steaks.

He and I went to the store, got the necessary items--meat, oil, pepper, salt, tomatoes--while students went and got fixin's for salad, fruit salad, etc. Everything was lined up for an awesome evening except for one thing: Charcoal. I misread a text message from my fellow team leader, Tina, thinking she said we had charcoal when we really didn't.

7:00 pm rolls around and we begin a frantic search for charcoal around the 14 Lions. Dread is slowly coming over me as I sense that I completely dropped the ball on the charcoal. Couple this with the fact that nearly everything was closed due to the holiday so I thought we were going to have to cancel the fun we were hoping to have with all the meat so many wanted to enjoy!

Marko, the owner of the 14 Lions, took me in his car around the city to try and find something. First of all, the car ride almost took my life, but that is a story for another time. Our chances for finding a place open dwindled quickly as all the markets were closed. He said, "let's try one more time around..." and I complied of course just hoping something would happen.

Then the impossible happened. We found something open. It wasn't a market. It wasn't a place that had anything to do with food. It was the last place we could go to and it was one of the last places I would ever think to go for a large bag of charcoal. It was a paint shop. Out in the front of this shop that sold paint and wallpaper, this shop that that wasn't even supposed to be open was a 5 kg bag of charcoal, the 5 kg bag of charcoal we needed to continue our fun! And fun we had!

The reason I share this story is not because it is merely funny. I laughed when I thought of it all when it was over. What I find interesting is that Marko said this was very normal; that finding a large bag of charcoal in the front of a closing paint shop is normal. I then began to think about my trying to find blank CDs, first looking in electronic stores, not finding them there, but in print and copy stores.

Reality is that there are many quirks to Italian culture that can be frustrating to an American. CDs are purchased at electronic stores or record shops. Charcoal is purchased in stores that sell food, not paint. Then we go into idiomatic expressions in the language and that reveals a need for one to be immersed in the culture for years in order to begin grasping the way of thinking here. But we are here for weeks. Most of the people we have sent to this country have been here for short one-year terms. Very few have committed to this people long-term, to get to know them for who they are, and to present Jesus and who He is from a perspective that truly and experientially knows where they are coming from.

So this is a praise to God for those He is raising up, like Jutty and a handful of others who will be here long-term, learning this culture in a way that we have yet to really delve into. But this is also a call to prayer that God will continue to raise up laborers who will come to this country and serve long-term, getting past all the glitz and glamor that has become Italy--the country for tourism--and digging deep into the people's lives in order to show them that the joy they seek can only be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

By His Grace,
Andrew

Praise the Lord!

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me...”
-John 14:6

These are the words that Ilaria read just before she made a prayer to receive Christ in her heart yesterday! Ilaria is a beautiful Italian girl that many of us girls on project have had the wonderful privilege of getting to know these past two weeks. She was introduced to us by one of the members on STINT here in Salerno, Lacy-Mae, at the barbeque we had last week. Since then, the Lord has been working in our lives and in her heart to help us develop a great friendship.

The day after the barbeque, she was quick to offer to help us pass out flyers of Agape Italia (Campus Crusade in Italy), at the University of Salerno. While we were passing out flyers she had several questions about salvation through grace alone and about the basis of Christianity. Unfortunately, it seemed as though she had on several blinders that skewed her views and kept her from seeing the truth of the gospel. 

This week at the barbeque, she opened up some more and talked to us about some personal problems and struggles she had been dealing with recently. Hannah Robertson challenged her to read the book of John since she mentioned she had never read much of the Bible and she also enjoyed reading in general. Then we decided to discuss the chapter and go out to dinner the next day; Ilaria was so eager to read the book of John that she read the chapter in two days :). The next day we continued to discuss what we had read and tried answering any questions that Ilaria had by looking through many verses in the Bible. The Lord worked a COMPLETE transformation in her heart and helped her see the beauty of grace in our guaranteed salvation through Christ Jesus alone by the end of the conversation. Then we all participated in Ilaria's prayer to receive Christ, as we all prayed together and thank God for his blessings and her life. Ilaria shared with us that she had never known she could have a personal relationship with Christ and she was never completely sure she could make it to heaven, since she had grown up believing that salvation was based on works alone; but then she said that she now believed this was true and she would never doubt it again. Praise be to Christ our Lord and Savior!

Please remember to include Ilaria in your thoughts and prayers this week as she continues to learn more about the Lord and continues to build relationships with the team in Salerno.

God's blessings,

Iliana